Uncovering the Deep Origins of White Supremacy: Paving the Way to a United American Destiny by Revealing Centuries of White Christian Nationalism
“The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future” by Robert P. Jones takes readers on a journey through time to trace the origins of this toxic belief system back to the 14th and 15th centuries. This essay aims to explore the historical context of white supremacy, focusing on how the Doctrine of Discovery, a doctrine originating from the Catholic Church, played a pivotal role in shaping the mindset of Europeans towards people of color and indigenous communities. By examining the impact of this doctrine on marginalized communities over the centuries, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex web of historical events that have perpetuated white supremacy in America.
The Doctrine of Discovery: Unveiling the Historical Roots
“The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future” examines how the Doctrine of Discovery was a set of papal decrees issued in the 15th century, primarily during the pontificates of Pope Nicholas V and Pope Alexander VI. These decrees provided a theological and legal framework for European powers, such as Spain and Portugal, to claim ownership of lands they “discovered” in the so-called New World. The underlying premise of the doctrine was that non-Christian lands were considered vacant, and thus, Christians had the divine right to take possession of them. This concept effectively dehumanized indigenous populations by categorizing them as non-Christians and, consequently, non-human.
The Doctrine of Discovery in Practice
This doctrine had profound consequences for indigenous peoples across the Americas. It not only facilitated the colonization and dispossession of their lands but also justified the subjugation and exploitation of these populations. The European expansion was accompanied by a belief in their divine entitlement to the lands and resources of indigenous communities. As a result, acts of violence, genocide, and enslavement were committed under the banner of Christianity and colonialism.
Historical Examples of Atrocities
To illustrate the impact of the Doctrine of Discovery, Jones draws connections between historical events, such as the lynching of Black circus workers in Duluth and the execution of Dakota men in Mankato, or the burning of Black Wall Street in Tulsa and the Trail of Tears. By doing so, he highlights the continuity of violence and dispossession that began with European contact with Native Americans and continued through the enslavement of Africans. Rather than viewing the enslavement of Africans as America’s original sin, Jones argues that it was an extension of the genocidal acts justified by the Doctrine of Discovery.
The Paradox of American Democracy
In “The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future,” Jones also delves into the paradoxical foundation of American democracy, built upon a history of mass racial violence. The Founding Fathers established a philosophical framework for a democratic society while simultaneously engaging in acts of oppression, violence, and dispossession against indigenous and enslaved populations. This paradox continues to manifest in contemporary America in the form of white Christian nationalism.
Contemporary Pushback and Deep-Seated Biases
Today, the echoes of these centuries-old beliefs grounded in white religious nationalism can be heard in contemporary conservative communities, such as Florida. Despite progress in civil rights and social justice, there remains a pushback against the dismantling of white supremacy’s legacy. Some communities still hold deep-seated biases against marginalized communities, rooted in fear and a false belief in cultural and racial superiority.
Conclusion
“The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future” by Robert P. Jones sheds light on the insidious origins of white supremacy, rooted in the Doctrine of Discovery and centuries of colonial violence and dispossession. Understanding this historical context is crucial in addressing the deep-seated issues of racism and inequality that continue to plague society today. As contemporary pushback against progress reveals, some communities still cling to these biases, perpetuating divisions and discrimination. Jones’ work provides a roadmap for reckoning with the past and working towards a more just and inclusive future for all, but it also highlights the ongoing challenges that must be overcome to achieve a truly shared American future.
Effenus Henderson
